Keep government out of state's Catholic schoolsAs a father...

LETTERS

March 18, 1998

Keep government out of state's Catholic schools

As a father of three young girls, I decided long ago to send my daughters to a private Catholic school. My wife and I were fully cognizant of the sacrifices we would have to make to ensure that our children were educated with what we feel are appropriate moral values.

Never have we asked for any tax considerations or special treatment. All we expected was that our children would not be subjected to the drugs, guns and general lack of morality and respect for authority so prevalent in today's public schools.

Now comes word from Frederick County that a judge has at least temporarily overruled the decision of a private school principal to expel two students for actions that the school -- St. John's Literary Institution at Prospect Hall -- has deemed to be inappropriate ("Judge allows 2 students back in school until trial," March 10).

The issue is not the nature of the conduct. The issue is the right of a private institution to govern itself without intrusion from the government.

Parents of private school students have a right to expect that matters of discipline will be left to the school.

Robert A. Brocato

Fallston

Freedom would suffer under religion bill

If the religious freedom amendment becomes part of our Constitution, the United States would be a very different and less free nation. The bill would be a big step toward government control of religion.

Some Christian groups are spending $2 million to flood Congress with threatening demands to vote their way or get out. These groups say a vote against the amendment is a vote against God and country.

Separation of church and state has served this country well for more than 200 years.

Congress should vote against this bill. The wording is tricky and would change the Constitution. It would be a blueprint for religious tyranny.

A. A. Carmody

Baltimore

Law should spur rodeo and protect its horses

This is in response to the Feb. 27 letter "City should not allow rodeos," concerning a proposed amendment to Baltimore's animal control ordinance.

The writer is mistaken about the length of a bronco ride in rodeos. A rider is judged for only eight seconds. Points are awarded for the contestant's ability and for the classic bucking action of the horse.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) has been working with the City Council to amend the ordinance while safeguarding the animals involved in rodeo events in Baltimore.

The PRCA has 60 rules to ensure the proper treatment of rodeo livestock. Under these rules, a veterinarian is required to attend all PRCA-sanctioned rodeo performances. Studies conducted by on-site independent veterinarians have shown the injury rate to be less than 0.05 percent.

Everyone involved in the rodeo business has an affinity for the livestock. They appreciate the animals and work to see they receive proper care and treatment.

Cindy Schonholtz

Colorado Springs, Colo.

The writer is animal welfare coordinator for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

Yugoslavia not at fault for troubles in Kosovo

The March 1 article "While neighbors heal, Yugoslavia's woes worsen" was offensive in its conclusion.

Blaming Yugoslavia for the war is like blaming the North for our Civil War.

In both instances, who tried to secede?

Also, news is not supposed to be biased. Opinion disguised as news is offensive.

Joseph Haus

Reisterstown

Urban League leader also is bright light

As staff members of the Baltimore Urban League, we were elated over the accolades we received in the Feb. 26 Bright Lights editorial, "The big league," for selling out our 41st annual Equal Opportunity Dinner.

This effort was testimony to the commitment by the staff to give its all to the Baltimore community.

However, unfortunately, you failed to mention that the major impetus stemmed from the untiring efforts of our president and chief executive officer, Roger I. Lyons.

His leadership in securing corporate, political and community support should not be overlooked.

The positive results of any endeavor can only be a reflection of the hard work, vision, planning and focus of the leader.

Let's give Roger Lyons the credit that is due him as the person responsible for the restoration of the historic Orchard Street Church and as the head of an organization that is doing so much for the citizens of Baltimore.

Carolyn Boston

Odelle Rea

Baltimore

GBMC should reject changes, not its roots

I am distressed to hear that the potential merger of Greater Baltimore Medical Center and St. Joseph Medical Center would mean that GBMC would reject its roots.

It is both ironic and tragic that GBMC, created from a merger of institutions, one of which was the Hospital for the Women of Maryland, would cease to provide some health care services for women.

I hope GBMC's board will reject the merger or insist that the hospital, as its site on the World Wide Web claims, continues to offer total health services to the women of Maryland.

Lawrence A. La Motte

Baltimore

Overspending allowed on stadium, not school

Did you know there is a freeze on funds to Baltimore schools because of "overspending"?

Do you know that some of the reconstituted schools are affected by this?

Do you care?

Oh, by the way, do you know the concrete for the new stadium has cost an extra $16 million?

Do you care?

Of course you do. Sports always comes before education.

Patricia Ragin

Baltimore

'Ol' Man River' not meant to offend

I find the "concern" David Zurawik expressed in his review of the public television show "Sinatra" about Frank Sinatra singing "Ol' Man River" completely unnecessary and out of order.

That immortal song, originally sung so beautifully and meaningfully by Paul Robeson, was written not to offend or demean blacks, but to express, in black dialect of the time, the toil of the men contrasting with the peaceful river.

Should Frank Sinatra have changed the words to be politically correct? Ridiculous.